When I first began my coaching career, I coached boys. It came naturally to me as I tapped into my many experiences as a competitive multi-sport athlete when I was in school. Like many sports, rowing was largely considered a male sport, and while it was fun to see girls giving it a go, my subconscious informed me that coaching boys was where the serious work was to be done.

Imagine my dismay – if you will – when I was asked to coach a group of brand new, learn to row girls! I was taken aback, wondered if  I was being demoted and frankly did not know where to even begin. It did not take long at all to realize what an ignorant fool I had been. These girls worked harder than boys, they complained less about the blisters and the workload, and brought unbridled enthusiasm to every practice  that was a joy to harness.

Moving to the USA where girls sports, and rowing in particular, are celebrated and offer extraordinary pathways to college gave me another reason to appreciate the extraordinary positive impact a coach could have in working with young women.

At City Island Rowing, a high performance all girls rowing program, we have created an environment where girls feel free to work hard and excel. There are no boys around for girls to worry about if they are sweaty, their hair looks ok, and no one walks through our gates with makeup on. This is an environment where young women can have a singular focus on athletic excellence without distractions or roadblocks.

Women’s rowing and Title IX

While Title  IX had been passed into law, and sought to make sure that women had the same access to sports at college as men were enjoying, the reality was that most AD’s were ignoring it. That is until the brave young women of the Yale Rowing Team, frustrated and fed up with being treated like the poor relations to their male counterparts, stormed the AD’s office  bare chested with TITLE IX painted on their bodies. They read out a manifesto that began, “These are the bodies that Yale Abuses..” and went on to describe their second rate treatment in all aspects of their athletic experience.

The story made the New York Times, and quickly became a national story, and disgrace. AD’s all around the country scrambled to review their policies and in every case found themselves sorely lacking in compliance. Within months the entire experience for female athletes around the country was changed… and it is fair to say that it was those courageous Yale rowers that girls everywhere can thank for the exceptional opportunities they have today.

Role Models and Mentorship

Having strong role models is crucial for encouraging girls to take up rowing. Seeing successful female rowers who have achieved great things in the sport can inspire young girls to follow in their footsteps. To this end, we highlight the achievements of our alumnae and bring in accomplished women rowers to speak with our team.

Mentorship is another key component of our strategy. We pair younger female rowers with more experienced ones, creating a supportive network where they can share advice, encouragement, and motivation. This mentorship not only helps young rowers improve their skills but also builds their confidence and fosters a sense of community.

Creating a Positive Culture

Building a positive and inclusive culture is at the heart of producing strong women. At City Island Rowing, we emphasize the importance of respect, teamwork, and sportsmanship. We actively work to create an environment where all athletes feel valued and respected, and they are constantly encouraged to support each other, on and off the water.

Part of creating this culture involves addressing any instances of bias or discrimination swiftly and effectively. We have a zero-tolerance policy for any behavior that undermines our commitment to supporting each other.  By fostering a positive culture, we ensure that our female rowers can focus on their training and development without facing unnecessary obstacles.

Celebrating Successes

Highlighting and celebrating the successes of our female athletes is a powerful way to promote gender equality. When our female rowers achieve great things, whether it’s winning a race, improving their personal bests, or demonstrating exceptional leadership, we make sure to recognize and celebrate these accomplishments.

By shining a spotlight on their achievements, we not only boost their confidence but also send a strong message to the wider community that women are to be celebrated and respected. This visibility helps to challenge stereotypes and inspire more girls to get involved in the sport.

Community Outreach and Engagement

Encouraging more girls to take up rowing starts with community outreach and engagement. We actively work to promote our program in local schools, community centers, and through social media. By sharing the stories of our female rowers and the benefits of rowing, we aim to attract a diverse group of girls to join our team.

We also host open days and bring-a-friend-to-rowing sessions where girls can come and experience rowing for themselves in a fun and supportive environment. These events are designed to break down any initial apprehensions and show that rowing is an accessible and enjoyable sport for everyone.

Building Lifelong Skills

Rowing is not just about physical strength; it also teaches valuable life skills such as teamwork, leadership, and perseverance. These skills are particularly important for young women, as they navigate the challenges of growing up and preparing for their futures.

At City Island Rowing, we emphasize the development of these skills in our female athletes. We provide opportunities for them to take on leadership roles within the team, such as captains or mentors, and encourage them to take ownership of their training and development. By building these skills, we help our female rowers become confident, capable, and empowered individuals.

At City Island Rowing, we are proud of the progress we have made in supporting and empowering our female athletes. By breaking down barriers, providing tailored training programs, fostering a positive culture, celebrating successes, and engaging with the community, we are working to create a more inclusive and equitable environment for all rowers.

As we look to the future, we remain committed to these principles and will continue to strive for excellence in supporting our female rowers. By doing so, we hope to inspire more girls to take up rowing and realize their full potential, both in sports and in life.